Hanok Essay Seochon (한옥에세이 서촌) - Area information - Korea travel information

Hanok Essay Seochon (한옥에세이 서촌)

987.4M    2024-06-04

12 Pirundae-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The area of Seochon features both traditional elements as well modern, showing the changes over time. A stay in one of the hanok houses here is the perfect way to feel this unique ambiance. Hanok Essay Seochon provides this experience, open to visitors of all ages.

Jeongdong Theater (국립 정동극장)

989.5M    2024-06-19

43 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Jeongdong Theater is located along Deoksugung Stone Wall Path and serves as a cultural hub for local citizens. Opened in 1995, Jeongdong Theater is historically significant as it was established to restitute the legacy of Wongaksa, the first modern theater in Korea. Jeongdong Theater features numerous critically-acclaimed productions, such as “Traditional Art Performance,” “Masters Exhibition,” and “Art Frontier,” as well as programs like “Art Stage at Noon” that are geared toward the general public. As a result, Jeongdong Theater has become one of Korea's representative traditional arts performance theaters and was designated as a Seoul Future Heritage in 2015.

The theater successfully held the performance “Miso” in 2010, featuring the traditional musical "Love Songs from Chunhyang," written and created by Jeongdong Theater. The musical attracted many international visitors from all over the world, passing on Korean cultural values and beauty, as well as gaining the attention of critics worldwide. In addition, the theater also produced "The 2nd Story of Miso: Baebijang-jeon," offering a modern interpretation of the fundamental values found in Korea's culture and art.

Jeongdong-gil Road (정동길)

993.5M    2024-06-19

2-1 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Jeongdong-gil Road is one of Seoul's most famous walking paths, stretching from the intersection in front of Jeongdong Church to Saemunan-gil Road. The street holds importance in Korea's modern history, with the surroundings serving as a living museum of this. During the Joseon dynasty, the area developed into a residental space for distant members of the royal family, with a palace and royal tombs in the area. In 1999, the pedestrian walking area was expanded by turning the two-way road into a one-way road. Since then, the road has earned many awards and honors.

Daeo Bookstore (대오서점)

994.3M    2025-11-05

55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Daeo Bookstore is the oldest bookstore in Seoul that has been maintained in one place since it opened in 1951. Recently, it has been refurbished as a cultural space with a cafe, where one can enjoy coffee, exhibitions, and performances while looking at the yard. Visitors who just want to browse can purchase a souvenir postcard set for admission. Taking a closer look at books that feel the years and objects that have traces of use, they appear to come rather new.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

995.3M    2025-07-11

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Rakkojae Seoul Bukchon Hanok Hotel (락고재 서울 북촌 한옥호텔)

1.0Km    2025-10-27

49-23 , Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Rakgojae Bukchon Hanok Hotel in Jongru-gu, Seoul, is a traditional hanok compound with a 130-year history, renovated by master carpenter Jeong Yeong-jin. The elegant gate and stone walls, the traditional roof tiles, the jangdokdae jar store, the pavilions and ponds - not to mention the beautiful pine trees - express the archetypal beauty of hanok. Sitting on the daecheongmaru (wooden patio) with a breeze in the trees, guests will feel taken back in time. Guestrooms are clean and comfortable, and visitors can relax in a wood-fired red-clay sauna and a jade-covered ondol room,. Traditional culture programs are available.

Kangbuk Samsung Hospital (강북삼성병원)

1.0Km    2025-10-23

29 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Established in 1968, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital has over 50 years of history and is taking a new leap forward with a vision for its centennial year.
Through partnerships with renowned institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States and the BBDC in Canada, the hospital delivers advanced medical services while leading the public health arena. It is also committed to systematic research and the development of ICT-integrated digital healthcare, which will be the foundation for future medicine. With an excellent infrastructure that includes clinics and specialized centers (e.g., the Diabetes Center, Breast and Thyroid Cancer Center, Digestive Cancer Center, Musculoskeletal Disease Center, and Prostate Center), Kangbuk Samsung Hospital provides top-quality medical services focused on providing patients with satisfactory treatments. 

Tteulan Teahouse (뜰안)

1.0Km    2024-12-10

Tteulan Teahouse is a cafe that really allows one to feel the tradition and flair of Korea. Tteulan has two entrances: one facing the wide alley and the other facing the smaller one. The smaller entrance is decorated like a garden, so it feels as if one is stepping into a land of fairy-tales. The café has a floor seating tables with traditional items like gadari soban (a table with legs that curve like a dog's legs), and jogakbo (a textile woven from several pieces of scrap cloth), all of which add to the traditional Korean aesthetic. The menu features ssanghwacha (medicinal herb tea known to help the immune system), a favorite among middle-aged and elderly Koreans; omija tea (omija is a tart berry that grows in East Asia known to be good for lung and bronchial health and boosts immunity); citrus tea (usually made with yuzu which is rich in vitamin C and said to help mitigate fatigue); and pour-over coffee. Traditional desserts include mugwort rice cake (rice cake with mugwort added for herbal flavor, best enjoyed with malt syrup), pumpkin rice cake, and roasted grain powder (a nutritious beverage made with a variety of powdered grain). It can be hard to find seating in the afternoon, so visitors are advised to avoid these hours if they seek to enjoy their drink in peace.

Ewha Centennial Hall (이화여고100주년기념관)

1.1Km    2024-02-20

26 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Ewha Centennial Hall is a multimedia education center located next to Ewha Girls' High School. Spanning underground and five above-ground floors, it features a gallery, a cafe, music rooms, individual practice rooms, and audio-visual rooms. The Hwaham Hall on the first and second floors is utilized for performances such as musicals and concerts, as well as educational events.

Haeunjae (하은재)

1.1Km    2024-12-23

68-10 , Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Ha Eunjae is a private hanok stay in Seochon Village, just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. The accommodation comprises a bedroom with queen-size bed, a kitchen, a movie room, and two bathrooms. The movie room is fitted out with a Bose sound system, a beam projector, and a large screen, with a movable footbath as a bonus. The kitchen is equipped for simple cooking. Guests staying 2 nights or more during the week receive a 10% discount, and towel replacement and cleaning services are provided for stays of 3 nights or more. Ha Eunjae is close to major tourist attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Samcheong-dong.